In today's digital age, privacy and data protection are critical concerns. Mishandling personal information can lead to severe consequences, including reputational damage and legal consequences, in accordance with laws like the GDPR.
For example, a recent survey revealed that 72% of customers would cease using a company's services if their personal data was compromised in a data breach. Additionally, 60% of respondents indicated that they would be less inclined to recommend a business that experienced a significant data breach.
These statistics emphasize the significant impact of data breaches on customer loyalty and brand reputation.
What is Personal data, Privacy and Data Protection?
Personal data includes information such as name, address, and contact details that can identify an individual. Privacy refers to an individual's control over their personal information, while data protection focuses on safeguarding it from unauthorized access or use.
When signing up on an online shopping site and providing personal data like name, email, and credit card details, organizations must handle it responsibly to protect privacy and prevent misuse.
Rights of PII Principal or Data subject
The individual whose data is collected is called the PII Principal or Data Subject, and privacy laws and standards grant them certain rights that need to be protected.
ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27701
ISO 27701 is an extension to ISO 27001- the globally recognized standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). It focuses specifically on privacy and aims to help organizations establish and maintain an effective PIMS.
ISO 27701 provides a structured approach to manage privacy risks, comply with privacy laws and regulations, and enhance trust with stakeholders. By aligning with ISO 27701, organizations demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding personal information and maintaining customer trust.
The standard offers requirements with guidance for implementing privacy control measures such as data classification, encryption, access controls, and incident response procedures.
| ASPECT | ISO/IEC 27001 | ISO/IEC 27701 |
| Focus | Information Security Management System (ISMS) | Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) |
| Scope | Covers all information assets and their associated risks | ScopeCovers all information assets and their associated risks Specifically focuses on managing privacy risks and protecting personal information |
| Integration | Can be implemented independently or integrated with other management systems | Serves as an extension to ISO/IEC 27001, providing additional requirements for privacy management |
| Compliance with Laws | Addresses applicable legal requirements related to information security | Emphasizes compliance with privacy laws and regulations |
| Third-Party Management | Includes requirements for managing risks associated with third-party relationshipsy | Provides specific guidelines for managing third-party privacy risks and ensuring compliance |
| Certification | ISO/IEC 27001 certification focuses on information security management | ISO/IEC 27701 certification demonstrates compliance with privacy information management requirements in addition to ISO/IEC 27001 |
SGS Embarks on ISO/IEC 27701 in Pakistan
SGS is actively involved in promoting ISO/IEC 27701 in Pakistan. We are committed to assisting organizations in the country with the training and certification process of this standard. With our extensive experience and industry knowledge, we support organizations in Pakistan to enhance their privacy practices, build customer trust, and gain a competitive edge in the market.
Given the significant volume of IT exports, encompassing software products and services, the Pakistani government has shown keen interest in our initiatives. Recognizing the importance of privacy, they have developed a strategy to support IT and software companies in establishing a robust privacy framework.
Our services
We aim to assist these organizations in strengthening their privacy practices and demonstrating their commitment to protecting personal information. We have a locally approved team of trainers & assessors providing comprehensive assistance for the better understanding of the standard's requirements through training, Gap assessments and auditing services.
Benefits of obtaining ISO/IEC 27701:2019 Certification
Obtaining ISO/IEC 27701 certification will provide various advantages to these organizations. These advantages include:
- Increased Trust: ISO/IEC 27701 certification displays a dedication to protecting personal information and establishing trust with clients, partners, and consumers.
- ISO/IEC 27701 emphasizes accountability, transparency, and clear policies for handling personal information.
- Helps in compliance with Privacy laws: Adherence to the ISO/IEC 27701 standard helps in meeting the requirements of global / local privacy laws like GDPR of the European Union.
- Improved Data Security: The PIMS framework integrates industry-leading safety measures to ensure personal information's confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
- Improved Risk Management: ISO/IEC 27701 assists in identifying, assessing, and mitigating privacy risks, allowing informed decisions to be made to properly secure personal data.
- Competitive edge: ISO/IEC 27701 certification distinguishes an organization from competitors by demonstrating a commitment to privacy and giving a significant edge when exploring new business possibilities. We will keep you updated on any developments or milestones reached as we go through this project.
We will keep you updated on any developments or milestones reached as we go through this project.
Please contact our dedicated privacy team if you have any queries or would like more information about our privacy policies or ISO/IEC 27701 certification efforts.
About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
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